News Desk: Russia is prepared to redirect crude oil shipments to India to cushion the impact of potential supply disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to industry sources, around 9.5 million barrels of Russian crude are currently on vessels near Indian waters, meaning the cargo could reach Indian refineries within weeks if needed. The move could provide quick relief to India’s energy market at a time when uncertainty is rising across key Gulf shipping routes.
The development comes as the conflict in parts of West Asia has heightened concerns about disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors for global energy supplies.
India, the third-largest oil consumer in the world, imports the majority of its crude oil and relies significantly on shipments from the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption in the region could put pressure on supply chains and fuel prices.
Industry officials indicated that some of the cargo currently near Indian waters may not have originally been destined for India. However, the shipments can be quickly rerouted to Indian refiners, ensuring steady supplies if Middle East deliveries slow down.
Over the past few years, Russian crude has become a major component of India’s import basket, with Indian refiners increasingly purchasing discounted oil from Moscow after Western sanctions reshaped global energy trade.
If the diversion goes ahead, the arrival of these cargoes could help stabilise India’s crude supply and refinery operations, while also highlighting how global oil flows are being rapidly reshaped by geopolitical tensions.
